This site has an ongoing topic of my Dads' 8th Army Air Corps service during WW2. There is duplication of some photos and statements. I condensed these posts from another Blog I write to contain everything in one space. The existance of this Blog has brought forth the reuniting of old comrades. This is a Tribute to all those who have sacrificed for our country.

Lt. Cornelison was captured by German forces on 11/30/1944, and was
eventually interned at Stalag Luft I - North III - Barracks 306 - Room
2. They were liberated on May 1, 1945 by American Forces, Russian Forces
arrived May 2, 1945. Did not evacuate the Prison until May 12th. /
13th.

Cornelison's Crew

The aircraft the Cornelison crew flew was shot up by FLAK over the
target at Lutzkendorf. Witnesses say the aircraft went down in the North
Sea; however, Cornelison was able to set the plane between Borkener
Lake and Stolzenbach, Germany. It is not clear if LT Spieles was killed
in the crash, or in the air. The remainder of the crew survived and was
taken prisoner. LT Spieles was later found in the burnt out wreckage
of the aircraft. A volunteer gunner, Edmund Smolinski from the Howard
crew, flew on this mission. (MACR 11153)

Buchard flew his last mission on November 25th, perhaps being replaced
by Smolinski. Buchard's status is unknown. It is not known if LT
Roberts was on this misssion.

Below are "Diary entries" (YMCA Log Book Entries) from a fellow Airman,2nd Lt. John A. Kirkham in the same Prison Camp / Barracks as LT. Cornelison.

30 November 1944
Crash landed in vicinity of Erfurt. Captured at landing by Germans.
Taken to Luftwaffe post. Relieved of 1 pound 15 sterling. Transferred
same night ot Erfurt. Searched and confined at Erfurt. Injured Back
and ankle.

2 December 1944
Left Erfurt for Frankfurt

3 December 1944
Arrived Frankfurt and marched to Oberursel and interrogated.

7 May 1945
Russian show preformed for Kriegies. Singing, music and dancing. All excellent
particularly the dancing. Groups consisted of Red Army men and women.
Russian, English and American present. English contact made. An
English officer promises air evacuation in a few days. Kriegies put on
impromptu (First Priorities).

Fireworks display. Reports of and promised visit to concentration
camps in area. Collection made for victims of German atrocities.
Several fights in camp. Showers started.

8 May 1945
Oder more or less restored, visiting parties to airport started. Fireworks and bonfires WAR ENDS